Chimpanzees are humanity's closest relatives and among the most complex social animals, requiring large, naturalistic groups and environments that support their rich behavioral repertoire in captivity.
Chimpanzee welfare in captivity requires managing one of the most socially complex animal societies in the animal kingdom. Getting group composition and management right is non-trivial, as chimpanzees engage in real coalition politics, alliance forming, and dominance contests that can result in serious injury if not carefully monitored and managed. Too-small groups deprive individuals of the social richness they require, while poorly managed introductions can be dangerous. The shift toward larger, naturalistic chimpanzee habitats at leading zoos has substantially improved welfare by allowing more natural social dynamics. Retired biomedical research chimpanzees, often with histories of social deprivation and invasive procedures, present unique behavioral rehabilitation challenges that sanctuaries address with patient, individualized programs.